and Aquarium. Construction was expected to be completed by 2015, but the building was not opened until October 2017. This new building, the Environmental Learning Center (ELC), is designed to function as an extra 8 classrooms and a learning space for preschoolers. During the summer, the Point Defiance Zoo will use it as an outreach space. The primary school buildings now consist of portables at the old Camp 6, the Environmental Learning Center (ELC), Pagoda, and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium classrooms. The whole of Point Defiance Park is considered the schools campus, according to the school's staff. However, student roaming (usually only allowed during the student's lunch break) is prohibited south of Pearl Street area. This is loosely enforced. { "type": "FeatureCollection", "features": [ { "type": "Feature", "properties": { "marker-color": "#00a000", "marker-size": "medium", "name": "Portables/ Camp 6", "popupContent": "Camp 6" }, "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ -122.52782464027403, 47.303228781725835 ] } }, { "type": "Feature", "properties": { "marker-color": "#ff9300", "marker-size": "medium", "marker-symbol": "", "name": "Environmental Learning Center", "popupContent": "ELC" }, "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ -122.52179503440857, 47.305993368874894 ] } }, { "type": "Feature", "properties": { "marker-color": "#ff1200", "marker-size": "medium", "name": "Pagoda", "popupContent": "Pagoda" }, "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ -122.51718431711195, 47.30584604912781 ] } }, { "type": "Feature", "properties": { "marker-color": "#0432ff", "marker-size": "medium", "marker-symbol": "", "name": "Zoo Education Center", "popupContent": "Zoo classrooms" }, "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ -122.52161264419557, 47.30549866390114 ] } } ] } Mission and goals "The mission of the Science and Math Institute is to provide a creative path of learning that emphasizes individual expression and growth through science and mathematics as central elements in academic achievement and life-long endeavors." SAMi intends to keep expanding its campus, including allowing students access to nearby downtown Ruston. Academics Many different types of classes are offered at the Science and Math Institute. Aside from the required high school classes, SAMI offers science and art oriented electives. Students also are enrolled in classes earlier than they would be at most other high schools in the district and other areas. SAMi uses a system called "Pathways" that assists students with selecting the best classes that will benefit their future, whether it be a career or simply college endeavors. Presently the two pathways are 'Natural Sciences' and 'Physical Sciences' Students also can enroll in two classes per day at SOTA and/or iDEA by splitting the academic day between SAMi,